Fighting Chance Fantasy 2008 Running Back Rankings

We've already given you the top 31 QB's, this list will cover the top 40 RB's, and soon we will rank the WR and TE. Here are the running backs:

1. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
   1,474 yards, 15 TDs, 60 rec, 475 rec yards, 3 rec TDs
   
   LT is still the best in the game, even though his numbers were no where near his MVP season. He does it all, he gets the tough yards, he can break one all the way, and he is great catching passes out of the backfield. His offensive line is better than average, and the San Diego offense basically revolves around him. He's been saying that he probably has three years left before he starts thinking about retiring, so there's no reason to think that he won't be the best back in the NFL again in 2008.
   
   
2. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
   1,072 yards, 12 TDs, 41 rec, 364 rec yards, 3 rec TDs
   
   I'm using the term "man-crush" for my feelings about Addai. His stats don't jump up and slap you in the face to get your attention, but he is definitely one of the best. He is basically the only running back option that they have in Indy, so it isn't like he will lose 10 carries a game to his backup. He had a good statistical season even though the Colts basically rested him the last four weeks of the season to get him ready for the playoffs. He gets the goal line carries, he gets the short yardage carries, is better than average catching the ball out of the backfield, and I can easily see him rushing for 15 TDs this season.
   
   
3. Stephen Jackson, St. Louis Rams
   1,002 yards, 5 TDs, 38 rec, 271 rec yards, 1 rec TD (12 games)
   
   Before the start of the 2007 season Jackson was viewed as a guy who would rival Tomlinson for the top spot in fantasy. Well, between injuries to himself, his QB, and most of his offensive line, the season was a nightmare that rivaled Britney Spears' custody battle. Jackson still managed to run for 1,000 yards (just barely!), and remains the only show in town in the Rams' backfield. He is great as a pass receiver, as he caught 90 passes in 2006. Jackson is big, motivated, and will reestablish himself as one of the top options in fantasy football.
   
   
4. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
   1,341 yards, 12 TDs, 19 rec, 268 rec yards, 1 rec TD
   
   Ok, the guy had an amazing rookie season and was easily the best first year player in 2007. However, I think we might have been a little quick to anoint him as someone who could supplant LT as the best in football in just his second year. Peterson is explosive and can take any carry all the way, there's no doubt about that. But here's a few factors that have me ranking him behind Addai and Jackson. First, Chester Taylor is a very good backup and will get at least five to seven carries every game. Two, he has had some injury problems in the past. He broke his collarbone among other things when he was in college and missed two games due to a knee injury last year. It isn't a HUGE concern, but running backs are fragile due to the beating they take, and as the injuries mount up, it takes its toll. Three, his touchdown numbers were good, but ten of the twelve touchdowns he scored were in four games. That leaves 13 weeks of the fantasy season where he didn't score for you, and let's face it touchdowns are where you win and lose your matchups. Additionally, five different weeks he had 60 yards or less. The last thing that keeps him from the top for me is he doesn't catch the ball at all. 19 catches over a full season is terrible for a RB, and he doesn't get that added dynamic that the top few options get. All that being said, if you can grab "All Day" in the fourth spot, you should be quick to pick Peterson. This is not a knock on his talent, just the reasons he wasn't ranked higher.
   
   
5. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
   1,262 yards, 11 TDs, 47 rec, 389 rec yards, 0 rec TDs
   
   When the Redskins really needed him to step up as they made their playoff push, Portis responded in a big way. He rushed for 306 yards and 4 TDs in the last three weeks (read: fantasy playoff time), and had another successful campaign. When healthy, this guy is one of the more explosive backs in the league, and has never rushed for under 1,200 yards when he played the whole season, and he has had double digit touchdowns every year but one. Ladell Betts proved he could carry the load during 2006 when Portis missed half the year, but Betts was almost completely ignored last season while Clinton was healthy, proving who is the star of the show in DC. I am expecting even better stats in 2008, with 1,400+ yards and 14 TDs.
   
   
6. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
   975 yards, 10 TDs, 44 rec, 282 rec yards, 2 rec TDs
   
   This guy runs like he is pissed off at the world, and when he hits someone in the open field, he usually falls forward or just keeps right on going. Barber has been the Cowboy worth owning in the Texas Twosome of he and Julius Jones, as Barber had been getting all the red zone carries and the majority of the scores. Well, Jones left town for the Great Northwest, so now Barber is sharing the backfield with a rookie and figures to get 20+ carries every game. Barber is a very physical runner, which could lend itself to injury, but so far in his career he has been quite durable. He has shown some talent with receptions out of the backfield and is dangerous once he gets a head of steam rolling. This is the first time he will be "the man" in Dallas, and I completely expect him to thrive under that situation. I'm looking for him to run for 1,300+ yards and 13 scores.
   
   
7. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
   1,333 yards, 7 TDs, 90 rec, 771 yards, 5 rec TDs
   
   This is a guy that I have never been high on, but after last season you can't ignore the stats. Westbrook's small frame has made his susceptible to injury over the past few years, but he never seems to miss entire games too often. He is one of the best with the ball in the open field, and the Eagles offense gives him a lot of opportunity to showcase this with swing passes and screen plays. Especially with the recent injuries to Donovan McNabb, the entire offense in Philly has revolved around Westbrook. He isn't a huge touchdown scorer, which hurts his value, but he makes up for it with the pass receptions (if your league gives points for that). Assuming McNabb comes back healthy, I expect his numbers to take a step back to right around 1,000 yards rushing, 5 TDs, and about 60 catches. Good numbers, but not his 2007 season.
   

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